Nebraska Reports First Cases of New, Rare Syndrome in Children Potentially Linked to Coronavirus
Douglas County reported its first case of a rare syndrome linked to coronavirus in children Monday, as a second statewide case was reported in Dawson County.
A boy under age 12 was hospitalized with atypical Kawasaki disease – a condition known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, or MIS-C for short, which can lead to multiple organ inflammation.
A statement from the Douglas County Health Department said the boy had a rash, fever, fatigue and abdominal pain.
“If your child shows any of these symptoms, you should immediately seek emergency care,” Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. “We have a lot to learn about MIS, but it appears to be similar to Kawasaki disease, which includes a fever and some of the symptoms we are seeing here.”
Most children with MIS-C recover with treatment, but it can be deadly. Many children who have MIS-C have been around someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and may themselves have tested positive for the disease. The Douglas County boy had test positive for the virus.
“We don’t know exactly what causes this syndrome,” said Dr. Gary Anthone, Nebraska’s chief medical officer. “The syndrome appears to be an uncommon manifestation potentially tied to COVID-19.”
A second Nebraska child, a Dawson County boy under age 18, the Two Rivers Public Health Department said in a news release.
The state Department of Health and Human Services said the best way to protect children is by taking everyday actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Parents or caregivers concerned about MIS-C or COVID-19 should call a pediatrician or other health care provider.
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